Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Halo 3: ODST (Ten Thoughts - Part I)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ODST

1) With a single button press, one can activate the Rookie's VISR mode (Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance), which makes everything look all Tron-y.

I dig that.

2) Yes, the single-player in this so-called expansion pack is short, but roughly the same length as Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3. Unfortunately, once you realize that you can run past the enemies in the Rookie's open-ended segments, the game can be completed in only two or three hours on standard difficulty. There isn't much to explore in New Mombasa, and the level design and encounters grow monotonous after an hour or two of play.

3) Halo 2 and Halo 3's segments on Earth were curiously free of civilians. This was understandable in Halo 2, due to limitations in the technology and the fact that the Earth had just been attacked, but it was one of many factors that made Halo 3 lack the dramatic punch that a series' finale should have had.

This time around, it works to the game's advantage. Wondering the empty streets of New Mombasa sets an nice tone for the rest of the game, both moody and haunted, certainly the stuff that noir stories are made of, but...

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Writing Update (9/29/09)

http://geekemporium.blogspot.com/2009/09/writing-update-90609.html

Did I say September 6th in my last post? What I meant was the 29th.

The delay was worth it. The first issue of my comic book miniseries is done, finished at the end of August. The panels are "locked" for Alex to do the pencils. There's only one bit of the story -- a small beat that hints at our hero's past -- that I'm not absolutely confident about it, but it will only require changing or stretching the dialog in one panel to erase it from the story.

I've seen the two completed pages of Alex's pencils, and they are quite impressive. Can't wait to see the final product.

Issue #2 was started on September 1st and was completed only a day past my self-imposed deadline (two fully laid out comic pages with dialog a day, with each issue totaling 25 pages). It hasn't come together anywhere as easily as the first issue. Right now it starts strong and ends strong, but the middle is a bit, well, off. The actual beats are what I want, but the dialog just isn't right.

I will start Issue #3 on October 1st. I'd like to get back to do these rants, as well -- but the scripts come first.

I've got some things I'd like to say about ODST, so I'll probably be back tomorrow. And hopefully, the day after that and...

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Writing Update (9/06/09)

Tuesday, September 6th. Should be back then.